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Sunday Reflections

It is a time of much challenge to those that are Christians throughout the

world.

We must nourish our minds and souls with the words of our Lord and our Church Fathers. For in this nourishment we will find strength, courage and wisdom.

Please allow me share to with you some words that I find nourishing to my mind from the sources that I thrive upon - The Holy Bible, books and sources on the saints and church fathers, and various other books and sources related to my Orthodox Faith. I hope you will gain from these peaceful reflections as I do. May God be with you.

Recently, I have once again read The Ascetic Lives of Mothers: A Prayer Book for Orthodox Moms by Annalisa Boyd. Why I don't carry this book around me daily is beyond me. If you are an Orthodox Mom and you don't have this book, get it now. Her words are so true to heart and the pages are filled with quotes of the church fathers and prayers to suit every need. I wanted to share some today.

Those times I have stepped back and taken a moment in silence, I have found many of the issues I thought were so pressing actually fall away to reveal heart issues- issues I need to bring before the Lord in continual prayers. Of course this doesn't mean discipline may not be in order, but I will not be sinning in my anger if I take a moment to reflect , pray for my child, and address him in love. What impact might I have on my children's souls if I consistently approached them in this manner? ~ Annalisa Boyd

Prayer - Complaining

Lord Jesus Christ, let every word that comes from my mouth be acceptable in Your sight and full of Your praises. Remind me when I feel like complaining that our Lord Jesus Christ endured the very Cross without a single complaint. Let my mouth speak of Your goodness, and may I tell the world of my great joy because of Your finished work on the Cross. When the worm of complaint tries to penetrate my heart and mind, let it be a reminder to me to pray for my family and those in need. Amen.

Prayer - Greed/Selfishness

Grant, O Lord, Your wisdom to teach my children to be lovers of God rather than lovers of the world. In their innocence let me not neglect these great lessons necessary for their souls. If my heart has forgotten these lessons, or wasn't properly taught, forgive me and help me to learn in all humility. Help us to accept the gifts you provide for us, but let us also be eager to give whatever we have to those in need. Remind us always that this world is our temporary home, a mere shadow of the glories to come. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

How do you refrain from complaining in your life? How do you teach your children to be lovers of God rather than lovers of the world?

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About orthodoxmom3

I am an Orthodox Christian wife and a mother of three that is loving the life God has given me. I wear many, many hats in this life including Christian, wife, mother, reader, writer, teacher, homeschool advocate, cook and so many more. I love to write about them all! See my About Page for more and be sure to follow An Orthodox Homeschool if you want just the homeschool posts or get ALL the posts on The Many Hats of an Orthodox Mom!
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